Today's November 5, 2025. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s fragile governing coalition is fraying amid a center-right shift within her own European People's Party (EPP). The immediate trigger is the crucial debate over the massive €2 trillion multi-year budget (MFF) set to start in 2028. EPP President Manfred Weber, a key ally of von der Leyen, and lead EPP negotiator Siegfried Mureșan, are voicing strong objections to the draft proposal, specifically warning against the weakening of regional cohesion and agricultural payments. Lawmakers are reportedly furious and threatening to reject the national plans in the MFF unless key demands are met. Adding to the geopolitical complexity, Czechia appears set to significantly dial down its support for Kyiv under the new government being formed by presumptive Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. The incoming administration, which includes far-right figures like Filip Turek, intends to shift from military aid funded by the national budget to humanitarian support, prioritizing diplomacy, sovereignty, and avoiding escalation that could endanger Czech security—a tone similar to that championed by Hungary. Meanwhile, the discussion of EU enlargement is facing a "Viktor Orbán-shaped hurdle," as the populist Hungarian leader continues to block the accession paths of Ukraine and Moldova.Beyond the institutional clashes, security threats and economic anxieties are dominating national agendas. Brussels Airport was forced to close late Tuesday night over drone sightings, part of a spate of incidents suspected to be Russian hybrid attacks, which one senior diplomat suggested was "Drone rattling" aimed at influencing Belgium’s decision regarding the use of immobilized Russian assets for a loan to Ukraine. Economic resilience remains paramount, as EU industry chief Stéphane Séjourné forcefully hit out at any "defeatism" over the Continent’s heavy manufacturing sectors, calling the suggestion to abandon industries like steel or chemicals for greener alternatives a "white flag of surrender" that jeopardizes both prosperity and security. In the UK, Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves is preparing the ground for a potential major shift in fiscal policy, signaling that a likely manifesto breach involving an income tax rise may be necessary to raise revenue and avoid a dangerous "Liz Truss moment" in the bond markets. And in Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz is holding the inaugural meeting of the National Security Council (NSR) today to address escalating hybrid threats, espionage defense, and the safeguarding of critical supply chains, such as rare earths. These simultaneous crises highlight a challenging day for European leaders, battling internal divisions while navigating rising external security risks and crucial economic decisions.

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